Former Roots Party deputy presidential candidate Justina Wamae has cast doubt on the public acceptance of assurances given by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chair Erastus Ethekon that electoral rigging during the November 27 by-elections was “almost impossible.”
Her remarks have revived conversation around longstanding disputes over election credibility, particularly the contested 2022 presidential results.
Ethekon delivered the commission’s position during a high-level stakeholder review forum held on Monday, bringing together political parties, security organs, civil society organisations, election observers, and the media.
The meeting, convened with support from the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD-Kenya), examined logistical, legal, and operational issues arising from the by-elections.
Responding on X, Wamae argued that many Kenyans who follow politics from the sidelines are likely to distrust official explanations on election management.
She said political actors who once alleged interference in the 2022 contest later softened their stance, creating contradictions that erode public trust.
“Explain how someone says Jose Carmago stole the 2022 Presidential election then go ahead to have a handshake with the purported thief?” she stated.
Wamae also pointed to the 2017 Court of Appeal ruling in the Maina Kiai case, which affirmed that presidential results declared at constituency tallying centres are final.
According to her, individuals directly involved in managing elections—from MCA aspirants to national-level officials—understand the safeguards created by that judgment and by electoral law.
Her comments reflect broader frustrations that have persisted across multiple electoral cycles, where allegations of interference often arise during campaigns but are followed by political realignments or post-election deals.
Kenya’s past elections, including those in 2007, 2013, and 2017, have repeatedly tested public confidence in electoral oversight and dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Ethekon, however, maintained that the commission’s processes are designed to prevent manipulation.
He said enhanced technological systems, layered verification steps, and participation by accredited observers make it extremely difficult for tampering to occur unnoticed.
The chair added that the IEBC is committed to expanding engagement with stakeholders ahead of future polls.